Harrow Civic Centre will be bathed in orange this evening (Wednesday, March 17) in solidarity with the campaign against gender-based violence following the death of Sarah Everard.

It will be the latest occasion the council building will use its floodlight system, with the colour orange chosen in line the United Nations’ bid to eradicate violence against women.

Today marks two weeks since the disappearance of Ms Everard, 33, whose body was later discovered in woodland near Ashford, Kent on March 10.

Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens, 48, has been charged with her murder with a provisional trial set for October 25.

Cllr Graham Henson (Lab, Roxbourne), leader of Harrow Council, paid tribute to Ms Everard, as well as Bibba Henry and Nicole Smallman, who were murdered in Brent while out celebrating a birthday.

He said: “This latest tragedy has exposed how common it is for women to feel unsafe and the measures they must take to feel safe when simply out and about.

“It is important for all of us to listen and recognise the scale of violence against women and girls.

“The outpouring of grief, and solidarity, highlights women’s collective experience and the need for the narrative around women’s safety to change.

“We can all contribute toward changing attitudes to end violence against women and girls.”

He was supported by Cllr Krishna Suresh (Lab, Rayners Lane), who is responsible for crime and community cohesion at Harrow Council, who said everyone has a responsibility to make others feel safe.

“This was incredibly shocking and distressing to hear and we don’t want people living in fear,” he said.

“We need to value female life; and this is something that has to start early – we, as a council, have a responsibility to help achieve this.

“People have the right to live freely, nothing should restrict residents from living their lives.”

The civic centre has previously been lit up green in honour of those who died in the Grenfell Tower disaster, as well as purple to commemorate George Floyd.